FANS of Monty Python star Michael Palin braved the cold and queued outside a Southport bookshop to catch a glimpse of the comedy legend when he visited the town.

The actor and scriptwriter, who is also well known for his travel documentaries, greeted fans and signed copies of his new book - Halfway to Hollywood: Diaries 1980-1988 at Broadhursts bookshop on Market Street.

Local author Jenny Pearce, from Meols Cop, said: “I am a big fan of Michael Palin’s, as is my husband.

“We collected our books on the day and couldn’t wait to get them signed by him.”

Alison Thompson and Jenny Woodcock, from South Liverpool, queued for almost an hour and half to meet the author.

Jenny said: “We have been following Michael Palin since his early Monty Python days and we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet him!”

Tom Edwards and Andy Scott, from Skelmersdale, rushed to the bookshop so they could be one of the first people to meet the star.

Andy said: “I am a big fan of Monty Python and I really admire Michael Palin. I have enjoyed most things he has been involved with.

“Whilst waiting for Michael we had to wait in the cold for quite a while but the staff let us in and out of the shop to keep warm and kept our sugar levels up with sweets.”